At the Buzzer: Indiana 74, Illinois 47
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Quick thoughts on Indiana’s 74-47 win over Illinois:
How it happened: After a shaky first half in which Indiana trailed 28-27 Illinois at intermission, the Hoosiers offense kicked it into high gear in the second 20 minutes. Indiana managed just .84 points per possession in the first half, but exploded from the perimeter in the second half. The Hoosiers connected on 15-of-26 shots after half and simply bludgeoned the helpless Illini. Yogi Ferrell (27 points), Thomas Bryant (14) and Nick Zeisloft (14) were all terrific offensively as the Hoosiers moved to 23-6 overall and 13-3 in the Big Ten. One more win will clinch at least a share of the conference title for Indiana.
Standout performer: Yogi Ferrell is making his move in the Big Ten player of the year race as the senior guard hit 7-of-9 shots from the field in the second half including 5-of-6 from distance. He finished with a game-high 27 points. With the Hoosiers one win away from clinching at least a share of the Big Ten title, Ferrell belongs in the discussion for the league’s player of the year award.
Statistic(s) that stands out: After an ice cold first half in which the Hoosiers hit just 3-of-15 3s, IU flipped the script after halftime and knocked down 10-of-17 3s in the second half en route to a ridiculous 1.62 points per possession.
Final stats:
Filed to: Illinois Fighting Illini